Archives for January 2014

But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. Hebrews 5:14 (ESV)

In the author’s warning against apostasy, we see a rebuke against unwarranted immaturity in understanding the truth of God’s word. We must apply ourselves to the studying, thinking about and understanding of God’s word for our own growth and so we can effectively share with others

For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt. Hebrews 6:4–6 (ESV)

The warning against apostasy is a serious one, those around the things of God and who know the truth of the Gospel but consciously reject the truth leave themselves in a potion that means they can not be restored (or saved in the first place) because there is only one way and they have rejected that way…. there is on Gospel version 2, there is only 1.

Though we speak in this way, yet in your case, beloved, we feel sure of better things—things that belong to salvation. Hebrews 6:9 (ESV)

This distinguishes the true believers who have salvation from the group of church goers / false converts mentioned above

so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. Hebrews 6:18 (ESV)

We have assurance and security in our salvation because of who God is

(for the law made nothing perfect); but on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God. Hebrews 7:19 (ESV)

We have far better and surer hope in Jesus as our eternal high priest unlike the temp priesthood of men.

This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant. Hebrews 7:22 (ESV)

Our eternal security is very secure because the one giving the guarantee is Jesus himself

For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. Hebrews 7:26 (ESV)

5 distinctives of Christ’s priesthood

But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end. Hebrews 3:13–14 (ESV)

Our perseverance as Disciples of Jesus Christ is not a solitary experience, we are called to encourage one another so that we are not deceived and hardened by sin. We need each other.

For good news came to us just as to them, but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened. Hebrews 4:2 (ESV)

We must always read and listen to God’s word with an attitude that says yes I really believe this and will do something about it. We must have faith.

Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience. Hebrews 4:11 (ESV)

We have a goal, something to strive and press toward, something to work for, to enter into God’s rest and hear him say well done.

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 (ESV)

God’s word is alive and active, his word is not impotent but is powerful, we can have confidence and trust in Gods word to transform us as much as we can in God himself, because God is true he backs up and fulfils his word.

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16 (ESV)

Because we have a high priest and he is one who understands and can sympathise with us, we can boldly come before the throne of grace

And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, Hebrews 5:9 (ESV)

Because of Jesus obedient life, he became the source of salvation for all who would obey the gospel. We are saved through Jesus life, death and resurrection

They said to him, “We have had dreams, and there is no one to interpret them.” And Joseph said to them, “Do not interpretations belong to God? Please tell them to me.” Genesis 40:8 (ESV)

There is no book or rule regarding the interpretation of dreams (like falling means…). As Joseph knew interpretation comes from God alone.

And the doubling of Pharaoh’s dream means that the thing is fixed by God, and God will shortly bring it about. Now therefore let Pharaoh select a discerning and wise man, and set him over the land of Egypt. Genesis 41:32–33 (ESV)

God is Sovereign over the elements and can use them to steer nations and people to his purpose

Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation? Hebrews 1:14 (ESV)

This chapter makes clear that Jesus is not an Angel and is greater than the Angels. It also tells us what Angels really are

But as he drew back his hand, behold, his brother came out. And she said, “What a breach you have made for yourself!” Therefore his name was called Perez. Afterward his brother came out with the scarlet thread on his hand, and his name was called Zerah. Genesis 38:29–30 (ESV)

His name literally means breakthrough. From him would come David and later Jesus. This shows God can take the most broken situations and use them for his glory and purpose

He is not greater in this house than I am, nor has he kept back anything from me except you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?” Genesis 39:9 (ESV)

Joseph had a right understanding of the nature of sin, he knew that although Potiphar had been good to him it was only because of God and the sin would be toward God and offend God more than it was toward man. When we sin people may be hurt but that is secondary to the offence we toward God.

But the LORD was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. Genesis 39:21 (ESV)

God’s love for Joseph is constant, steadfast and loyal. This should comfort us and show us how to love.

and saying, “You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” Matthew 27:40 (ESV)

Further evidence that Jesus clearly claimed to be the Son of God

And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. Matthew 27:50 (ESV)

Jesus died on the cross for our sin (he did not faint like some say). Thank you Jesus.

Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. Matthew 28:1 (ESV)

This is why we see the earliest Christians meeting on a Sunday instead of Saturday, because Jesus rose on the first day of the week

He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Matthew 28:6 (ESV)

Hallelujah!!, Jesus is risen from the dead. Fact!!

And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. Matthew 28:9 (ESV)

Jesus receives their worship because he is not an Angel or created being, he is the Son of God

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Matthew 28:19 (ESV)

The great commission given to us by Jesus was not to make converts but to take the time and effort to make disciples. A disciple needs to be taught the word of God and apply that word in obedience.

Meanwhile the Midianites had sold him in Egypt to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, the captain of the guard. Genesis 37:36 (ESV)

How can anyone say the bible is boring, the true stories it records are relayed in such captivating way and trump the false stories from hollywood as the bibles accounts hold important lessons of eternal significance. If you read through the chapter quickly… read it again… this time enjoy the story… see the providence and plan of God working itself out.

Jesus said to him, “You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Matthew 26:64 (ESV)

This is a bold declaration by Jesus that he is the Son of God. The start of the answer is only cautious because the contemporary understanding of the messiah was flawed. The second part of the answer is a forceful and affirmative declaration, warning and identification with the prophesies of Daniel and the Psalms that Jesus is the “Son of Man” (The Messiah) who the council would later know as sovereign king and judge.

Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has uttered blasphemy. What further witnesses do we need? You have now heard his blasphemy. Matthew 26:65 (ESV)

Further confirmation that to the Sanhedrin, Jesus had just boldly declared himself to be the Son of God, which would make him equal to God which in their eyes was blasphemy

Then they spit in his face and struck him. And some slapped him, saying, “Prophesy to us, you Christ! Who is it that struck you?” Matthew 26:67–68 (ESV)

Jesus endured this suffering and shame because of his love, primarily for the Father but also his love for us… Stop and think about this and be thankful.

But the chief priests, taking the pieces of silver, said, “It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, since it is blood money.” Matthew 27:6 (ESV)

The sin of legalism had them so bound that while they we scheming to kill Jesus and had just held and illegal trial they were still concerned with this rule

Now Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus said, “You have said so.” But when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he gave no answer. Matthew 27:11–12 (ESV)

Jesus answer to Pilate again confirms that he is indeed the prophesied king of the Jews but not in the way that Pilate would imagine

So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves.” Matthew 27:24 (ESV)

Pilate displayed complete cowardice in trying to please the people. We should not be anything like that.

Then he released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, delivered him to be crucified.Matthew 27:26 (ESV)

The scourging of Jesus was one of the cruelest punishments Jesus endured, the following is a note on it from the ESV Study Bible. “Roman flogging was a horrifically cruel punishment. Those condemned to it were tied to a post and beaten with a leather whip that was interwoven with pieces of bone and metal, which tore through skin and tissue, often exposing bones and intestines. In many cases, the flogging itself was fatal. The Romans scourged Jesus nearly to death so that he would not remain alive on the cross after sundown.” Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (p. 1885). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

It is the same for all, since the same event happens to the righteous and the wicked, to the good and the evil, to the clean and the unclean, to him who sacrifices and him who does not sacrifice. As the good one is, so is the sinner, and he who swears is as he who shuns an oath. Ecclesiastes 9:2 (ESV)

One appointment we all need have to keep… death! Thank God for Jesus resurrection which gives us eternal life